Cute little thing you might notice...no names are given. I do this to affirm (mainly to myself) that it's only nominally a fanfic. I was thinking of making it wholly original, but didn't because I want distribution! I also don't use "..." to indicate pauses or breaks in conversation, because I use it far too often in my other stories.
Anyway, Here's a few of the influences for my latest (as of the creation of this homepage) fanfic, "Hold On." There were probably 20 or so direct influences, but here's the main ones.
A wonderful fanfic with a much more realistic approach to darkness than the typical Ranma darkfic, where generally half the cast dies and the other half contracts rabies.
A very good fic, as typical of Mr. Lawson, but I found the characterization of Kasumi too happy. "Hold On" was concieved as the antithesis of what I didn't like about "Heart of the Home."
"Hold On" was originally closely based on these lyrics. I decided to be meaner to Kasumi, to be more in character.
Many problems to this fic, which I realized when I released it. I scrapped it to use as the basis of "Hold On."
I didn't stick closely to the outline. I stopped after scene #3, and filled out what I had.
I was afraid Mr. Lawson might take the story as a personal affront (I do mention "Heart of the Home" by name in "Hold On.") Fortunately he didn't, and instead sent me C&C which I found extremely helpful.
Ok, this had nothing to do with the creation of "Hold On", but this review was a great boost to my ego, so I thought I'd include it here ^_^. I do disagree with it: I'd like to think the story wasn't an encouragement to "hate" Kasumi, but a kind-hearted take on a basically flawed character (hence the guilty crying at the end). Then again, I'm the author...